The Picola District Football Netball League results from the opening weekend of finals are in and in the football it is Deniliquin Rovers and Tungamah that will advance for another week of do-or-die action.
First up, the fifth-placed Rovers faced Jerilderie at Strathmerton on Saturday in the first elimination final, and it was a comprehensive four-quarter performance from the blue and white to keep its season alive.
Deniliquin established a 13-point lead at quarter-time, but the slim advantage did not display the strength of the Rovers’ defensive efforts, as the Demons could only pluck two scoring shots in the term, although converting both chances.
The next term was not so fortunate for the eighth-placed side, once again scoring twice, but for a return of two behinds, while Deni tallied another 26 to establish a 37-point half-time buffer.
The Demons responded after the half-time break with a four-goal term to the Rovers’ two, but it would be too little too late to orchestrate a comeback.
Jerilderie would kick another four in the last, but as it took an all-in attacking approach, it opened up opportunity for Deniliquin to respond on the rebound, resulting in a five-goal term for the favourite to claim a 32-point win.
Tyson Willis and Hayden Barker recorded four goals each for Deniliquin, with River Karpany earning best-on-ground honours for the winning side.
Rory Knight and Chaz Retallick top scored for Jerilderie with two majors each, as the Demons bow out in an elimination final for a second straight season.
The Rovers will play the loser of Waaia and Berrigan in a fortnight’s time, with the qualifying finals to take place this weekend.
Meanwhile, Tungamah squeezed past Picola United in Sunday’s elimination bout.
The Bears started on the front foot and led by 13 points at quarter-time, though United was able to shave a point off the buffer by the half.
However, a five-goal third term was the catalyst for the Bears to kick on as Tungamah eventually held on for an 11.8 (74) to 10.7 (67) result.
In the netball, Katamatite roared to a landslide victory over Strathmerton.
The Bulldogs scraped into the eight with a win-loss record of 7-9, and the discrepancy was clear against the 12-4 Tigers on Saturday.
Katamatite recorded the resounding result to the tune of 39 goals, backing up its earlier rout of the Dogs in round six of this season.
The 69-30 result should spark confidence into the Tigers team that narrowly missed a double chance by four premiership points, as it faces the loser of Deniliquin Rovers and Tocumwal in two weeks’ time.
On Sunday, Dookie United continued its superb season back in the league with a classy win over Tungamah.
The Thunder were challenged throughout, but held firm for a 49-39 triumph to progress through to the next round of knockout action.
4°C